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Omega-3s and Psoriasis

Highlights

Omega-3 fatty acids are fats that affect many bodily functions, from blood clotting to inflammation. They may help psoriasis symptoms.

When omega-3s enter the bloodstream, they lubricate the cells of the body, which helps reduce inflammation.

Sources of omega-3s include fruits, vegetables, seafood, and supplements.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that
causes inflammation. The most common symptom of psoriasis is dry, scaly patches
of itchy skin. There are several treatment options for psoriasis, but there is
no cure for it.

Having psoriasis is a risk factor for heart
disease and psoriatic arthritis. It’s important to have your psoriasis
diagnosed properly before starting any traditional or holistic treatment.

If you have been diagnosed with psoriasis,
you may have heard that certain diet adjustments can lessen symptoms. Omega-3s
are one of the most proven and popular diet inclusions that doctors recommend
for psoriasis.

What Are Omega-3s?

Omega-3 fatty acids are fats that affect many
bodily functions, from blood clotting to inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids are
nutrients that you can only get through certain foods. The human body does not
produce these nutrients naturally.

There are three kinds of omega-3 fatty acids:

alpha-linoleic acid (ALA): found in oils, vegetables, and nuts

eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): found mainly in fish

docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): found in fish and shellfish

ALA, EPA, and DHA are polyunsaturated
fats. Unsaturated fats may
not contribute to plaque buildup in your artery walls. They promote a healthy
heart because they lower triglyceride levels and blood pressure levels in some
people.

Long-Chain Omega-3s

The two omega-3s known as “marine” are EPA
and DHA. They are mostly found in fish and shellfish. They are called
long-chain because of the structure of their chemical composition. The marine omega-3s
are of particular interest to researchers for their benefit to brain growth and
their anti-inflammatory properties.

Omega-3s and Psoriasis

Omega-3s help psoriasis symptoms by reducing inflammation.
When they enter the bloodstream, they lubricate the cells of the body. This
lubrication can have a healing effect on cells that are particularly in need of
it, such as brain cells and cells that make up your joints. This lubrication
can also reduce inflammation.

When a person has psoriasis, the immune
system tells skin cells to turn over at an abnormally rapid rate. No one knows
why this happens exactly. The result is redness, inflammation, and dry, scaly
patches of skin that can cover almost any part of your body. The use of omega-3s
can make this inflammation more manageable and less irritating.

Omega-3s are often used in conjunction with
medical treatment for a long list of conditions, many of them autoimmune and
inflammatory diseases, including:

rheumatoid arthritis: another type of autoimmune disease

Crohn’s disease: an inflammatory bowel condition

ulcerative colitis: inflammation of the digestive tract

lupus:
an autoimmune disease

atopic dermatitis: a skin condition

Sources of Omega-3

Fruits and
Vegetables

A number of foods, including berries, green
vegetables, and tofu contain ALA omega-3s. Chia seeds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and
hemp seeds are rich in ALA omega-3s, as well. Seaweed and sea vegetables are
also high in omega-3 content.

Meats

Two out of the three types of omega-3 fatty
acids are found mostly in fish and shellfish. For those who love seafood,
increasing consumption of this essential nutrient can be easy. Salmon, cod, and
mackerel are the fish that are known to have the highest levels of DHA and EPA
omega-3s. Sardines and herring are also rich in omega-3s.

Supplements

Of all of the nutritional supplements being
researched for their effect on psoriasis, the American Academy of Dermatology declared fish oil to be the most promising. Speak to your doctor or nutritionist
about taking fish oil supplements if your diet is lacking omega-3s.

Takeaway

Omega-3s in any form are an essential part of
any healthy diet. They promote brain cell growth and memory function. They are
also beneficial to regulating the contents of the bloodstream. The additional
benefit of their anti-inflammatory properties is something that people with
psoriasis should consider. Omega-3s are worth trying as a supplement to any
psoriasis treatment plan, with the consent of your doctor.

You asked, we answered

Are there any warnings or concerns to be aware of when taking omega-3 supplements?

There
may be an increased risk of bleeding with omega-3s and aspirin or clopidogrel.
Omega-3s should be avoided if you have any fish allergies. Excessive dosing of
fish-based omega-3s may increase the concentration of toxins (mercury) in the
body.